Ruby Diamonds

You won't have to look far should you be looking for someone giving jewelry on Valentines Day. This versatile little gift is perfect for pretty much anyone who wants to say something, whether it's "Will you marry me?" or "Please forgive this shmuck!" After all, getting jewelry is something that really takes time, thought and money, and giving it is never something that should be taken lightly.

So before you go wondering whether a trip to the gem store will make you a walking clich, let me give you the top reasons to give jewelry this Valentines Day.

Reason # 1: They last forever. Yes, your five dozen roses can sweeten up the bedroom---but only for a few days! If you want something that will exclaim that your love is eternal, try a diamond or sterling silver. One of the sweetest things about being a couple is being able to say ten years from now "hey, this is the ring he gave me Valentines Day a decade ago!" Now can you say the same about chocolate?

Reason # 2: They can be custom-made to express what you want to say. Contrary to rumors, jewelry does not always mean last minute buy. If you want to show your loved one that you gave much thought to your present, go personalized. Have his name engraved on the pendant; pick bracelet charms that represent her favorite pastimes. If you two met in a ball game, how bout earrings the shape of a baseball? Have your gift speak for you!

Reason # 3: Value just goes up. If you use gold or silver, then you're sure to have two things: A beautiful gift and a smart investment. Gold and silver are two metals that never lose their value. For an extra special touch (and value), why not add precious stones? It's tantamount to saying that your lover is as precious to you as this piece of jewelry, and that will last as long.

Reason # 4: Jewelry sets the tone for the relationship. Giving someone jewelry says so many things! Love, commitment, beauty, eternity, respect, purity - pretty much everything that a relationship should be!

Reason # 5: They go with anything! Here is a logic only a woman (or a fashion enthusiast!) would understand. Jewelry is always a great option because you don't have to worry about mix and matching them with your outfit (Yes folks, this matter!). A silver bracelet can go with any wardrobe at any occasion. And if you have an eye for color, pick a setting that brings out the color of your lover's eyes. You can't go wrong with minding style.

Reason # 6: You were made for each other! Many couples have matching jewelry, and there is a reason why! It's classy, discrete and pretty much permanent. Forget painful tattoos and loud, tacky shirts. A small ring, bracelet or necklace is much better.

Reason 7: Wherever you go, you will always have a piece of your loved one with you. Where do pendants rest? It's always near the heart, and what could ever be more romantic than that? Even if the two of you are oceans apart, you will always remain close to one another. The piece of jewelry will surely keep you in your loved one's mind. While the two of you are out of sight from each other, that doesn't mean you are not on their mind.

Reason # 8: So many options, so little time. No matter what your needs or wants, there's always something out there that can answer it. If you're on a budget, many stores offer quality jewelry for a fraction for the cost, and birthstones are beautiful but not budget-busters. If you're out to burn money, well, Cartier always has his doors open.

Reason 9: Best friends never leave the other! Last but not the least, diamonds and girls are still best of friends. There are plenty of surveys that polls which women prefer more: chocolates, flowers or lingerie, but women still choose jewelry over any other. It's a good thing that men are catching up to this trend. It's a real winner!

If you're like most men, Valentine jewelry shopping for your girl can be a frustrating experience. What does she like? Where can you get it? How do you know that what you're buying is the right one? There are so many questions to ponder and there seems to be no straight answers!

Relax. It may surprise you to know that this is a problem that plagues so many guys out there.

Shopping for jewelry need not be a Titanic in your life. Here are some things to consider to help you along:

Do your homework, and find out her preferences:

Expensive and trendy doesn't always equal a bull's eye. Depending on the woman, there are some who like it small and discrete, and some who want it loud and fabulous. There are also those who like it formal and classy, and those who like it playful and experimental. Even the material can be preferred, such as gold, silver, copper, bronze, and pewter. And, oops, the stones! Don't forget the precious stones.

How to know what she likes? Don't rely on the store owner; he doesn't know your girl! Start by checking out what she wears often. Raid her jewelry box. Snap a picture of her typical get-up complete with jewelry and shows a copy to the saleslady. You can also ask her fashion-savvy best friend. If you can pull it off, accompany her as she window shops and observe what gems she gravitates to.

Design should be the first thing on your mind

Hearts are common this time of the year and they are always a good choice. They fit the occasion and they can be worn across seasons. A heart also symbolizes the feeling that goes with the gift. By choosing heart-shaped jewelry, you are sending your message of affection loud and clear.

Please do remember that you can choose not to buy heart-shaped jewels on Valentines Day. And, there are also some women who are not interested in wearing jewels with hearts on them. If you find that your girl is one of them, look for something else. There's plenty of flexibility when it comes to Valentines Day jewelry gifts. There's no obligation to stay with the concept.

Try picking out something that's useful like a pair of silver earrings that she can wear regularly. Or go for something that would represent your girl's personality like a violin pendant if she's into the musical instrument. You can even pick out a design that would share the story of your relationship together just like journey pendants that can be engraved with initials. The options are endless.

Look around

You don't have to buy from the first store that you find. The more stores you check out, the better are your chances of finding something that's a good match to her taste (and your wallet!). It's always a good idea to shop ahead of time; it gives you the liberty to be choosy.

Be limitless and don't just settle for shops in the malls. Go and search for antique shops, shop online, or look for family-owned establishments that create custom-made jewelry settings and art forms. While being on a budget, you can easily check out pawnshops as well. Try checking for family heirlooms to be resized or remodeled, as well.

Wherever you buy, make sure that your jewelry has a certification of authenticity. This will help ensure that what you are spending your hard-earned cash on is the real deal.

If all else fails, let it to those who know:

And who knows better than your girlfriend herself, right? You can always make it LOOK like you're not panicking and you don't know which one to choose. It's all in how you present it.

If you're worried about revealing your budget, befriend the jewelry store owner beforehand. Give your range and have him prepare a selection for your girl that she can view in a private room. It's actually romantic for the two of you to choose together.